Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson elbowed his way onto center stage when he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday. In Sunday night’s 34-17 victory over the New York Jets, Johnson scooped up a fumble caused when Ngata slammed into quarterback Mark Sanchez, and Johnson returned it 26 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Johnson also finished with three tackles (one for a loss), two quarterback hits and one pass defensed.

For years, Johnson has been followed by the “underrated” label, which gets a somewhat pained reaction from the nine-year veteran.

“I just get tired of being called the gritty overachiever who is somehow still here but manages to make plays,” he said. “It doesn’t really bother me, but I want to be known for what I am. In this room and in other places in the league, I’m a pretty damn good football player. Just like Rex doesn’t want to be known as the guy who is talking trash, Rex is one of the best all-around football coaches in the league – top to bottom. I just want to be known as a good player, not just as that overachiever, smart guy.”

Johnson has more than proven himself since the organization selected him in the fourth round in 2003 as a defensive lineman. Johnson has made 75 consecutive starts (including playoffs) and has played in 117 straight contests, which is a franchise record.

Last week, New York coach and former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan took a moment during his conference call with Baltimore media to single out Johnson for praise.

“I’ll tell you a guy that’s underrated is Jarret Johnson,” Ryan said last Wednesday. “I mean he’s had that label forever. We used to laugh about it. He’s always a ‘hard-working, blue-collar guy.’ Well, that’s what he is. He’s tougher than heck, and he’s a lot more talented than people give him credit for. He’s playing great.”